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Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer Davis: Missing Balloonists

by Amy Judd | September 30, 2010 at 11:59 am

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Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer Davis Are Still Missing After Their Balloon Disappeared During the Gordon Bennett Cup Race

The grounds crew have now said that Abruzzo and Davis are either in a life raft on the Adriatic Sea or their balloon was hit by lightning and exploded.

They have been missing since Wednesday morning and although they are considered to be experienced balloonists and adventure seekers, no one has heard from their balloon since about 8am Wednesday morning.

Richard Abruzzo and Carol Rymer Davis Missing Over the Adriatic

A rescue operation has been launched and a vigil was held in America where friends and family are still hoping for the best.

Rob Bayly, a member of the Abruzzo-Davis retrieve crew, described two possible scenarios.

He said: "The good news story is that they managed a rather desperate water landing, ejected from the balloon and are in a life raft somewhere, yet to be found, and the balloon took off without them with their beacon still on board, therefore not yet triggered.

He said the other scenario was that their balloon was hit by lightning, which at thousands of feet in the air, could have completely destroyed the vessel.

The search has included four boats, an aircraft and a helicopter from the U.S. military and Croatian and Greek search and rescue.

20 balloons started the race, and the other 19 have all landed safely now.